Did you know that the USDA is the source for Americans to inquire with when moving internationally with their pets? Did you know that some vets are 'USDA certified'? These are things we have learned. (USDA Website )
The Netherlands requires pets to have microchips and there are only specific brands that are accepted. They also require rabies shots, to be received more than 21 days and less than one year, prior to arriving into the country. Additionally, rabies shots must come AFTER the insertion of the microchip. They are very strict on this rule, despite the fact that biologically it doesn't matter which comes first - the microchip or the rabies shot. We came very close to having our trip postponed due to this rule. In fact, our cat's departure was delayed for an additional month.
The Netherlands also requires each pet to travel with a 'health certificate', signed by the vet and certified by the USDA. This document is found somewhere on the internet. (It wasn't straightforward by any means!) One document is taken with each pet for final health check-ups, conducted by the vet, within 10 days of the departure. These are signed by the vet with details listed of the microchip and of the rabies vaccination.
Next, the health certificates are taken to a USDA office for certification. (Note: An advanced appointment is required.) These documents are used as proof to the airline that the pet is allowed to board the airplane, as it signifies that the pet is currently healthy and that the pet rules of the 'country of entry' have been adhered to, per the USDA.
Our pets are small and we wanted them to travel on board our plane. We were traveling with our two dogs and we did not want them placed down in the belly. Unfortunately there aren't too many airlines anymore who allow pets to travel in their cabin. Luckily KLM ( KLM ) & Delta ( Delta Airlines ) do. (Unfortunately, Continental and United no longer do - thereby making pet travel a bit more difficult.) It cost us $200 per pet. Each of our dogs were kept in their carriers and they were placed underneath the seat in front of us, where they were absolute angels the entire flight!
When booking our flight we booked two seats together and we had upgraded (for $100 each) to have more 'leg room'. After boarding, we were told that we were not permitted to sit next to each other given the close proximity of our dogs to each other. Supposedly the FDA doesn't allow two pets to travel next to each other in the cabin, as they may 'fight'. We stood our ground, given various details, and we were granted the ability to remain in our seats and with our pets.
Many people have asked us if our pets had to be placed into querentine upon arriving into the Netherlands. The answer is no. This was not necessary since we had the proper paperwork with us.
Additionally...
We have learned that to travel in Europe, with a pet, one must obtain a 'Pet Passport'. These are obtained from a local vet who logs the pet's health records into a passport. This document will serve to provide all medical history, should this become necessary. This document is also required by pet pensions (i.e. kennels) for temporary stays.
Finally, we now pay an annual pet tax (to The Municipality of Den Haag) for each of our dogs. Surprisingly, they do not charge anything for cats and we're not sure why. Of course, we are fine with no cat tax!
Speedy, our cat, had a delayed trip. He eventually made it over to join us in June, as we had moved in early May. All three pets are doing great and learning to live in a new home with new surroundings. Our dogs are learning that it's ok to go into restaurants alongside of us, and to lay quietly while we eat. It is, in fact, very common here to see dogs laying quietly under neighboring tables when we are dining out.
We are also very fortunate to have found two very sweet individuals, who also happen to be pet-sitters that love animals! They stay in our home, with our pets, while we are away. Our 'wandering clogs' are able to wander about because we have confidence in knowing that our three little 'angels' are all being well cared for and loved upon!
Can you tell that we absolutely love our pets?!? Let us introduce you.....
SPEEDY (aka 'Kitty Cat')
BUSTER (aka 'Little Boy')
BAILEY (aka 'Bells')
Notes:
The above information was shared based on our own experiences. We have learned that international pet 'requirements' frequently change and that 'logic' doesn't necessarily apply. The best advice we can give, for someone who is looking to move internationally with their pets, is to contact a USDA office to inquire about your country of interest. You should do this as soon as possible.
Also, be sure to contact your airline to identify all that is necessary by them. You do not want to fail because of simply not knowing the many and sometimes strange rules that exist. As they say, "you don't know what you don't know". Ask lots of questions and be prepared for a stumble along the way. It will all work out. Enjoy the journey!!!